Indian Navy Submarine XO Dies At Sea

Lt Cdr Firdaus D Moghal, Executive Officer of Indian Naval Submarine Shankush (photo) died in an accident at sea off Mumbai this morning. The submarine, on a planned exercise had developed a defect as a result of which, the boat’s maintenance crew had come out on the casing to attempt repairs. While on deck, the maintenance team was washed overboard due to very rough sea state.

A team of fiove officers and sailors led by the Executive Officer Lt Cdr Moghal started the rescue operation immediately and managed to recover all the sailors who were washed overboard. During the operation, the officer was also washed overboard and suffered injuries on his forehead. He was subsequently rescued by a Navy helicopter dispatched from INS Shikra (Naval Air Station) at Mumbai. The officer was administered first aid in-flight, but could not be revived. The post mortem report has indicated death by drowning due to an injury.

The officer was commissioned on Jan 1, 1998 and is survived by his wife Kerzinn and a two year old son. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

Sheer incompetence, US operates far more submarines in true bluewaters yet you never hear of this kind of avoidable accidents. fact is in India human lives have no value and even basic safety gear and procedures are employed.

Jeet Hormuz

Anonymous

Gen. JJ Singh with great pride says, We are an officer centric force," and was wounded severely when he once decided to lead a convoy at the van during a patrol in J&K. Field Marshal Manekshaw proved himself in battle when he carried a wounded sepoy to safety ignoring his own injuries. Lt.Cdr. Moghal in ht efinest traditions of the Indian armed forces leapt to rescue his men disregarding his own safety. We wish he were with us today. What a fine example of valor, selflessnes and compassion.

freespirit71

Anonymous

the act of bravery is beyond despute…but who shall sail such subs of ill repute?Only the CO.. so incompetent and spineless.I dont understand why they dont give time for repairs in harbour before putting defective submarines for a mission in unforgiving seas.a totally uncalled for accident.may the guilty be brought to book. They will call for another safety stand down and thereafter throw all safeties overboard